Magical Experiences in Southern Thailand Dear friends, colleagues, and guests, Imagine falling asleep to the chirping of crickets and cicadas in the distance, cradled in the comfort of your accommodation, enveloped in luxury, yet immersed in wilderness. 500 Rai Resorts and Tours operates with a mission to provide you with the best of both worlds: nature and nurture. Our accommodations, tour, and transfer services are all designed with our local knowledge, sensibilities of Thai hospitality, and our desire to provide quality care and service that make you feel at ease, even halfway across the world. We offer three different accommodation experiences, 500 Rai Floating Resort, 500 Rai Farmhouse Bantakhun. Our floating resort is tucked away in its own small cove on Chiew Larn Lake, the crown jewel of Khaosok National Park. These plush floating villas and suites provide the perfect opportunity for exploring the 165 square kilometers of emerald waters, jutting cliffs, extensive caves, breathtaking viewpoints, and exotic wildlife. As the best location in the deepest area of the lake, our floating resort offers the perfect opportunity for relaxation, where our panoramic views allow you to see all of these amazing things without leaving the comfort of your room. Seventy kilometers to the west, 500 Rai Farmhouse at Khaosok, our newest location, boasts a 50-meter hilltop pool, organic garden, fresh fruit and vegetable from tree, and a quiet retreat nestled among the verdant hills surrounding Khaosok National Park Headquarters. Farmhouse offers unparalleled privacy and still boasts a central location steps away from Khaosok s walking street and the park entrance. Outside of these unforgettable destinations, we offer a full suite of tours and travel services that allow you to connect with southern Thailand in unique well-inherited way of life. We offer seamless travel to all major destinations in Southern Thailand and points in between. Whether it s hiking, trekking, kayaking, or cruising to watch wildlife through one of the world s oldest rainforest, learning about community traditions, drifting down the Sok River on a bamboo raft, community based activity, harvesting rubber, or learning more about Theravada buddhism at Suan Mokh, we have the experience to meet all your needs and provide quality care that combines international standards and the Thai smile. We look forward to welcome you to our beautiful, undiscovered corner of the world! ATIRAT DANPHATTHARAWORAWAT Managing Director
500Rai Tours In addition to the finest lodgings in southern Thailand, we provide full tour services including activities and transportation. Always innovating new ways to explore the under appreciated destination in Khao Sok, we combine unique experiences with convenience of travel, as a result of our experienced and friendly staff. This includes activities in destinations throughout Surat Thani province and easy transport to all major destina tions in Southern Thailand.
Map Surat Thani Khaosok National Park Koh Tao Thailand Koh Phangan Surat Thani SAMUI ISLAND Samui Airport Koh Surin Similan Island Khao Lak 1 2 Surat Thani Airport Chiewlarn Lake 3 Surat Thani Khaosok National Park Donsak Pier (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) khanom Phuket Airport PHUKET Phi Phi Island Krabi Airport KRABI Koh Lanta NAKHONSRITHAMMARAT 1 500 Rai Floating Resort 2 500 Rai Farmhouse 3 Bantakhun By 500 Rai
500Rai Floating Resort Our elegant, nature-friendly accommodation on Chiew Larn Lake consists of 18 duplex rooms that can host a total of 80-100 people. 500Rai floating resort allows guests to immerse them selves comfortably in the picturesque surroundings, with comfortable bedding, air conditioning, panoramic views, and private kayaks available with each room. Guests are a boat ride away from viewing exotic wildlife along the shoreline, or hiking into the world s oldest forest. 500Rai provides the priceless opportunity to experience the true heart of nature.
500Rai Farmhouse The newest addition to our properties, 500Rai Farmhouse Khao Sok consists of 6 spacious boutique villas and suites nestled among the forests and drifting mists of Khao Sok Park. Boasting an on-site olympic sized swimming pool and organic garden, our resort is a tranquil retreat that is both private and centrally located. The entrance to the national park is less than a kilometer down the road, and guests are steps away from Khao Sok s walking street. The combination of amenities, luxury and nature provide an unparalleled travel experience.
Khao Sok National Park Established in 1980 as Thailand s 22nd National Park, Khao Sok contains 749 square kilometers of pristine rainforest, and serves as the center of southern Thailand s largest protected area. Khao Sok is a portion of what was once the oldest forest in the world, it s estimated that the stable geology and climate has allowed the forest to thrive for around 160 million years, allowing for a diversity of wildlife to which few places on earth compare. This includes wild asian elephants, tapir, over 300 bird species, the world s largest flower, and many other mysteries for visitors to discover.
Chiew Larn Lake Two years after Khao Sok was established as a National Park, the Saeng river was dammed to create the reservoir now called Chiew Larn Lake. Its 165 square kilometers are nestled between rolling green hills and sheer limestone cliffs similar to what can be seen at Ha Long bay, but with much fewer tourists. This increasingly popular destination has become a must-see for nature lovers from around the world, but still provides a quiet and authentic experience.
Nam Talu Cave Water springs up from below and creates an underground river in this one of a kind hiking experience. After about 2 hours hike through a dee jungle trail, you will reach the gaping entrance to the cave, which was once a medical post for activists fighting to protect the forest in the 70s before the park was established. Once inside the cave, you can observe certain cave dwelling species as you enter and the water gradually rises. Please note this 4 hours hike is only available during the dry season when the water level is low, and recommended for visitors that are at least moderately fit. Pakarang Cave This relaxing hiking trail follows a spur over a small ridge toward another smaller lake, where monkeys play among the canopy in the afternoon. On the other side of the ridge, visitors can board a bamboo raft accompanied by a tour guide to reach the cave, which contains beautiful formations all around. This takes a total 3 hours and 30 mins. It is suitable for all ages with good fitness levels.
Tarzan Viewpoint This challenging, but rewarding climb offers stunning birds-eye views of the lake that you can t see elsewhere. After a short boat ride from 500Rai Floating Resort, you ll begin the steep climb through the pristine rainforest, winding between large fig trees and lianas and making a short climb to arrive at one of the best views in all of Thailand. This trip takes 3-4 hours and requires at least moderate fitness and good balance along steep trails, and is only recommended during dry season. Wildlife Sunset Safari by Boat For those looking for an easy going experience, wildlife can be spotted with little effort along the shores of the lake and the trees. Several species of monkey and hornbill can be spotted with ease, those with a bit more luck are likely to see wild boars, asian buffalo, gibbons and more. This is best enjoyed during twilight hours when the weather is cooler and the wildlife is usually more active.
Padzien Waterfall This waterfall is the highlight for green season. Suitable for nature lover. During dry season, it is a very good jungle walk trail to appreciate the bird singing area. During green season, it is very fresh leisure area surrounded by green forest. Cooking Class Enjoy the real experience of Thailand by Cooking!! Our experience chef will instruct you in every detail to know the secret receipt of Thailand most delicious food; Pad Thai. Cocktail Class Your hotel stay experience will never be the same. Try to mix your own cocktail by instructed by our Bartender. Learn the type of mixer and liquor which are well-known in Thailand. Then enjoy your own made cocktail next to our swimming pool to spice up your travel experience. Canoe Class Have a friend or family member who wants to try some water sport but have no experience before. This will not be the problem anymore by taking our canoe class. This class will be instructed by experience tour guide with safety life jacket and life guard on duty.
More Activities The variety of activities available to lake visitors always leaves room for further exploration. During the rainy season, several waterfalls put on a show for guests and allow a nice place to cool off; fishing villages allow locals to connect with the traditional way of life in a new setting; sounds and sights of morning in the jungle as the sun rises above the horizon provide guests with an unforgettable memory that is better than any souvenir! Community Activity Explore the local lifestyle by enjoying coffee from a bamboo mug, canoeing down the river, harvesting rubber, learning about Thai buddhism or weaving of traditional cloth. We provide several ways in which you can savor and enjoy Thai tradition and make a positive impact in the destinations where you travel.
Nature Education Trail The main trail at Khao Sok National Park Headquarters, this trail provides interpretive material to help guests learn more about the keystone species and national processes that make the park so impressive. This trail can be enjoyed as a 2-8 hour hike, visiting a naturally formed beach along the river, a small gorge, and several waterfalls. As the trail can be followed for a long or short hike, visitors of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.
Rafflesia Flower Rafflesia kerrii, most famously known for its consistent population in Khao Sok, is only a bit smaller than its cousin, Rafflesia arnoldii, and the two are the largest flowers in the world. Rafflesia kerrii can grow up to 90 cm, and can be seen on two different trails, usually between December and May. Unlike its larger relative, it does not produce the rotten smell that repels humans, but still attracts various flies who help as pollinators for this incredibly interesting flower. You can learn more and see it in person by visiting us.
Temple Tour Suan Mokh; translated as Garden of Liberation, located in Chai Ya is one of the most important Buddhist sites in southern Thailand. Buddhadasa Bikkhu, a widely revered monk in the Theravada tradition, left Bangkok and took up residence in an abandoned temple near his home town in Chai Ya. Here, at Suan Mokh, Buddhadasa took reformed approach to Buddhism that focused on connecting to nature and the inner world of the mind, and inspired many acolytes. The tranquil ambiance and thought provoking art and poetry found throughout the temple complex provide a unique and enlightening experience for the interested visitor. The great stupa of Chaiya
2016 Recommendations HOTEL WITH THE BEST LOCATION Basic Nature Awards 2014-2015, 2016-2017 TAT License No.31/01067 21/5 Moo 3 Khaowong, Bantakhun, Suratthani Thailand 84230 Tel. +66 (0) 77 953 013, +66 (0) 95 410 0099 info@500rai.com 500raiResort Resort500rai Resort500rai @Resort500rai